Memorial Day is a great time to go camping, and for many it’s a way to get away from the stress of home in a safe way during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Setting up your campsite, building a fire, hiking on the trails, or getting out on the water are all examples of some of the fun times to be had. However, camping is not always as safe as it seems.
There are a few ways you could be injured at a campground, and when it’s not your fault you may be confused about what to do next. What are some safety concerns at the campground?
Fire Safety
One of the first things we all want to do when we get to the campground is to build a fire. It’s a way to cook food and give yourself light and warmth in the elements.
However, it’s very important to remember these fire safety tips to stay safe at the campground:
- Never leave a fire unattended or burning overnight
- Do not let children play with matches, lighters, or fire starters
- Keep children and pets away from fires because they could accidentally fall in
- Do not light a fire with strong winds or with a burn ban in effect because you may cause a forest fire
- Never use a portable stove or any fuel-burning equipment inside a tent
- Check all food cooked over the fire with a food thermometer before consuming to make sure it has reached a safe internal temperature
Recreational Safety
Exercising and getting outdoors is a great way to stay healthy. When you get to a campground, you could hike, go out on a boat or kayak, ride a bike, or play lawn games.
The options are endless, but they do come with some warnings:
- Always wear a life jacket on the water and make sure children are also wearing life jackets
- Only go out on a boat with a licensed and experienced driver
- Do not drink while driving a boat – you could be arrested and could cause serious injury or death to your passengers
- Take adequate food, water, and emergency supplies on a hike
- Use a compass and follow trail markers on a hike–don’t go off the trail
- Observe trail difficulty and choose the right trail for your level of experience
- Walk in the middle of the trail to avoid poison ivy and ticks
- Always wear sunscreen and stay hydrated when out in the sun
Environmental Awareness and Safety
Aside from the usual suspects for injury like fire and recreational activities, there are also a few things you should remember at the campsite and when walking in the campground:
- Observe the landscape before setting up your tent—never set up a tent below a dead tree branch which could blow off in a storm and crush the tent below
- Use a tarp under your tent to keep dry from morning dew or rain
- Keep food sealed in a car or hung in a tree to keep bears, raccoons, and other animals away
- Do not camp in high winds or storms with lightning—seek shelter immediately
- Be careful to wear appropriate clothing, footwear, headgear, and bug spray with DEET
- Check for ticks each day on yourself, children, and pets to avoid Lyme disease
- Wear shower shoes in communal showers to avoid foot fungus or other skin problems
- Observe and be careful in communal showers which are often wet and can be slippery
- Change into different clothing before bed to eliminate damp clothes and keep your body temperature high
What if I Get Hurt at the Campground?
If you are hurt while camping, seek immediate medical attention. When you are sure you are safe, consider if you caused the accident or if you were involved in an accident that was not your fault.
If you get food poisoning after eating cooked meat at the campsite without checking the internal temperature first, this could be your fault because you did not check.
However, if you slip and fall in the campsite bathroom or you are a passenger involved in a boating accident, you could be eligible for compensation.
It can be complex trying to figure out if you are eligible for compensation for a campground injury.
An attorney can help you figure out if you may be eligible and work with you through the entire process to get you the compensation you deserve.
Have You Been Injured at a Campground?
If you have been injured at a campground, you may be eligible for compensation.
The experienced attorneys at VanDerGinst Law exclusively work on personal injury cases and have over thirty years of experience to back them up.
If you have been injured, it’s time to call VanDerGinst Law at 800-797-5391 or contact us online.
We’ll help you through each step of the process and you’ll have time to recover from your injuries without worrying about how you’ll pay for it.
You don’t pay a dime unless we win your injury case. Contact us to learn if you may be eligible for compensation.
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